South Cornwall

Self catering in South Cornwall is ideal for exploring. With an abundance of coastal walks and activities on the doorstep, there's a wide selection of things to do that will take your fancy. South Cornwall offers a blend of secluded villages and vibrant harbour towns such as Falmouth.

Holidays in South Cornwall

Self catering in South Cornwall presents an interesting dilemma. On one hand, you have the busy, vibrant town of Falmouth with its rich maritime heritage and large student population; rent a holiday cottage here and you will never be far from the action, day or night. On the other hand, travel in either direction along the coast and you will soon find yourself forced inland by a waterway. This is what makes many holiday cottages in South Cornwall relatively inaccessible, but persevere and you will be rewarded by some of the most untouched and tranquil holiday experiences in the county.

Let the roads and lanes lead you where they will – this is what holidays in South Cornwall are all about – you never know what you might find!

Experience South Cornwall

There’s an almost endless range of sports and activities available for you to enjoy in Cornwall to suit all tastes, ages and abilities.

Cornwall remains a Mecca for surfers with surf schools available for those who want to give it a go or take their skills up to the next level. There are also many other watersports to try, including scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing or dinghy sailing.

Stay in South Cornwall, and you’ll be perfectly placed to visit the breathtaking Lizard Peninsula. This area of outstanding natural beauty is the inspiration for many artists and authors, and it’s easy to see why.

The Roseland peninsula heritage coast is another beautiful area of the South coast. It’s one of the most unspoilt areas in Britain, and as such is the perfect place to explore.

With the Helford River and the River Fal nearby, this area of Cornwall has a distinct character of its own, with many small fishing villages nestled amongst sandy beaches and lush countryside. By contrast, Falmouth is a bustling harbour town, which provides a great day out for all the family. From shark fishing to exploring the gardens of Trebah, you won’t be short of things to do.

Venture further North along the South Coast and you’ll be well placed to visit the famous Eden Project, the Lost gardens of Heligan, and the stunning Caerhays Castle, which are all well worth a visit, wherever you choose to stay on a self catering holiday in South Cornwall.

South Cornwall Locations

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week is one of the largest sailing regatta's in the south west with more than 300 yachts racing over eight days.There is also a full events line-up which includes entertainment in Falmouth's Events Square and offsite activities such as outdoor film screenings and Red Arrow displays.

Bude Carnival

St Ives Lifeboat Day

A fun packed day hosted by the RNLI lifeboat Station. See the lifeboats on display and in action on the water with demonstrations featuring one of the HM Coastguard helicpoters!

23rd August 2018

Bude Lifeboat Week

Bude Lifeboat Week includes a range of activities and events, including quizzes, a children’s disco, live music, a craft fair and, on Lifeboat Day (28th) and search and rescue demonstration, a beach treasure hunt, rowing races, canoe polo, a pasty competition and more!

26th August - 3rd September 2018

Bude Jazz Festival

Top UK and international jazz, blues, swing and boogie bands make up the Bude Jazz festival, with over 120 events including street parades, late night jam sessions and a dance marquee.

Newquay Fish Festival

A three-day celebration of all things seafoodie! Barbecued fish on the beach; cooking demos from the best of the best; fish merchants selling the freshest seafood imaginable - ready for you to take back to your holiday home and cook up using your newly-learned skills!

Mining & Pasty Festival, Redruth

Celebrating the Cornish pasty and Cornwall's mining heritage, Redruth brings you a cultural three day event. Try your hand at pasty making, join the pilgrimage, and finish off with a concert to remember. Fun for all the family.

Looe Music Festival

The Looe Music festival takes place each year throughout the town, offering 3 days of music, entertainment and culture. With the main stage on the beach, and with amazing views, thousands turn up to enjoy the last of the summer festivals.

Truro City of Lights

A festival of light delights the crowds who line the streets to see a parade of giant handmade lanterns. All manner of samba, brass and pipe bands process alongside, accompanied by flamboyant dancers. Further outdoor music performances take place throught the evening and there are many a food and drink stall at which to pick up a tasty snack or warming drink.

Looe Literary Festival

Eden Project Winter Festival

Winter is perhaps the most magical time to visit the Eden Project. Not only can you explore the biomes, there's also the opportunity to go ice-skating, watch live storytelling and meet Father Christmas! Why not enjoy some tasty treats and do some Christmas shopping while you're there too? Evenings are a particularly spectacular time to visit the Eden Porjet.

Santa by Steam

Join Santa and his elves aboard his magical steam train as you journey through the Cornish countryside. Awaiting Santa on the platform, you'll be entertained with carols performed by Liskeard band. On the hour long journey, children will get to meet and greet Santa, recieve a present and have their photograph taken. The grown-ups aren't forgotten either - you'll recieve a mince pie and seasonal drink!

Padstow Christmas Festival

Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth and Nathan Outlaw will be flying the flag for Cornwall at this year’s 10th annual Padstow Christmas Festival. For your chance to see chef demonstartions, head to the festival stage or to the Sharp's Chefs' Theatre - the demonstartions are all free to attend!

Why not make the most of your visit to Padstow and pop into the Chrsitmas market where you will find an array of food goodies and handmade gifts to purchase. There will also be a selection of live music to enjoy, and you can take the children to meet Santa in his grotto!

Rogue Theatre Winter Wood

Created by Cornwall’s award winning highly visual Rogue Theatre, Winter Wood is an adventure for families and those who still believe in Magic.

Pass through the Woodland Gate and follow the twisting path. Let the faeries and woodland spirits lead the way with stories and songs. Follow the wandering path and meet Old Man Winter who will weave a tale and reveal the path to your fantastical destination, an enchanted celebration, and a wondrous festivity of wintry marvels.

Mousehole Christmas Lights

Possibly the most well-known and popular Christmas Lights in the county, Moushole combines stunning displays against the backdrop of their gorgeous Cornish fishing harbour to bring real festive magic to all who visit at this special time of year.

Tom Bawcock's Eve, Mousehole

The tradition of Tom Bawcock comes from the feast or famine lifestyle of Cornwall. The story goes that it was just before Christmas; there had been no fish for weeks, the boats couldn’t get out into the raging storm, the village was starving. One man, Tom Bawcock, dared to take his boat out of the harbour’s safety. He returned with enough fish to make fish pie for the whole village.

Today, a festival takes place each year to celebrate Tom Bawcock's bravery. During the festival, Star Gazey pies are eaten in memory of this famous event.

St Ives Feast Day

Held on the anniversary of the consecration of the Parish Church of St Eia in 1434 AD, Feast Day offers visitors to witness - and even join in with - some centuries-old traditions. A morning precesison led by the Mayor to bless the Well of St Eia. Following this, the Mayor will 'Hurls the Silver Ball' into a crowd of children who assemble on the beach below. The one who returns the ball to the Guildhall steps by midday receives a silver coin. In the afternoon the Mayor then throw pennies from the balcony of the Guildhall for children to collect.

Boscastle Walking Week

Boscastle Walking Week is an annual event which has grown in popularity over the years. Organised by local people with local knowledge, everyone is welcome to join the organised walks for a small fee of £3-£5. You'll be guided on some of the most beautiful walks along the Cornish coastline, amid woods and streams and on rambles to secluded waterfalls. Celebrate the history of this stunning scenery as you learn about the famous author Thomas Hardy, who spent a year living in the area.

Cornwall Spring Flower Show

Held at Boconnoc House, Lostwithiel, the 107th edition of the Cornwall Spring Flower Show is a real treat for gardening enthusiasts. The two day event features show gardens, competitive classes and horticultural stands. Enjoy the fabulous displays, pick up plants for your own garden and ask the experts for some tips and advice!

Porthleven Food & Music Festival

The small Cornish fishing village of Porthleven hosts its annual Food & Music Festival every April and encorporates street performers, a range of local produce, Samba dancing, theatre, beer marquees, hip-hop dancers, fireworks, Cornish singing & much, much mmore...the list is endless!

Bolster Festival

Bolster festival in St Agnes celebrates the demise of the legend of Bolster the giant. The community re-enact the life and downful of the giant as they parade through the streets and down to the cliffs overlooking Chapel Porth beach.

Helston Flora Day

Padstow 'Obby Oss' Festival

A colourful tradition that takes place on the first day in May in the quaint harbour town of Padstow. The locals decorate the town with flags, flowers, greenery and a flagpole. The crowds are greeted by the swirling and dancing 'osses' who parade through the town, followed by the 'Teazer' who dances along behind.

Fowey Festival of Arts and Literature

Open Studios Cornwall

This free art exhibition sees over 200 art studios open their doors to the public in a week long event across the county. From sculptures, to photography, pottery, and artwork, you can be sure to find something that takes your fancy.

Fal River Festival

Eden Sessions

A truly magical experience in Eden's natural amphitheatre. Previous performers include Jack Johnson, Paolo Nutini, Jessie J, Kaiser Chiefs, The XX and Eddie Izzard to name but a few. Tickets also include a daytime pass to the Eden Project.

Royal Cornwall Show

This three-day event is the highlight of Cornwall's agricultural year, showcasing the very best of Cornwall's rural lifestyle. The event is packed with activities, competitions, food and craft demonstrations and stalls, displays, music, and, or course, lots of animals!

International Sea Shanty Festival, Falmouth

The Falmouth Sea Shanty was founded and is organised by Falmouth Shout. Sea Shanty events aim to preserve and promote the maritime heritage of Falmouth and Cornwall as a whole and are thoroughly enjoyable.

Polperro Music & Arts Festival

Polperro holds an annual 9 day festival with a craft fayre, live music, comedy nights and a procession. The festival is completely free to attend so make sure you visit to experience Polperro at its best.

15th - 22nd June 2019

Golowan Festival - Penzance

Golowan Festival is an annual community arts event that celebrates local culture and the social and natural environment. 'Mazey Day' takes place on the Saturday of the festival and guarantees to be a very colourful affair!

Rock Oyster Festival

Tropical Pressure Festival

Head to Mount Pleasant Eco Park to join in with the park's annual festival celebrating the rich cultures of Africa, Latin America and the caribbean. Enjoy live music, dance and food throughout the weekend.

St Ives Bay Helicopter Tours

For two weeks only, Adventure 001, supporters of Cornwall Air Ambulance, will be bringing their helicopter experiences to St Ives! Choose from a 6 minute flight from £35 to a 30 minute flight from £96 and take in the incredible views across St Ives bay and beyond!

Stithians Show

Celebrated since the early 1800s, the Stihtains Show is a fine agricultural event showcasing animals, arts and crafts, food and drink, music and more. Don't miss the Countryside Area and Exhibition Ring.

Lusty Glaze Sundowner Sessions

Every year Lusty Glaze beach hosts their Sundowner Sessions - an opportunity to watch your favourite artsits perform live in the stunning setting of the natural ampitheatre provided by the cliffs at Lusty Glaze.

Newquay Boardmasters Festival

Newlyn Fish Festival

Newlyn Fish Festival is the biggest and best of its kind in the UK. Taste some of the finest seafood on offer and enjoy cookery demonstrations, live music and arts and crafts. Local fishmongers take part in the The Cornish fishmonger of the year competition and the popular 'Fishy Trail' is perfect to keep the kids entertained.

Penzance Literary Festival

Popular with visitors and locals alike, this exciting festival celebrates everything literary, including spoken, written, recited and sung word. Take part in the reading and writing discussions and activities and enjoy the many performances.